“This is the kind of small town that keeps surprising you.” That thought echoed in my head as I stood outside the Historic Route 66 Museum, where a faded mural told stories of road trips and dusty dreams. Kingman, Arizona wasn’t flashy—but it didn’t need to be. What it offered was something quieter: deep Americana, desert light, and the kind of history you feel in your bones.
Best Things to Do in Kingman, AZ
Historic Route 66 Museum
My first stop was the Historic Route 66 Museum, tucked inside the Powerhouse Visitor Center. Vintage cars, neon signs, and sepia-toned photos pulled me into a time when road travel felt brand new. I wandered through exhibits on the Dust Bowl migration and the birth of roadside culture. “People didn’t just drive Route 66—they lived it,” I thought, tracing a finger along an old highway map.
Mohave Museum of History and Arts
Just a short walk away was the Mohave Museum of History and Arts, a surprisingly rich collection of regional heritage—from Native American artifacts to early settler memorabilia. I lingered at the Barry Goldwater gallery and the recreated old-timey storefronts. There was a quiet reverence in the air, like the town was telling its story softly, hoping you’d lean in to listen.
Lunch at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner
After all that time-traveling, I stopped into Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner for lunch. It looked like something straight off a postcard: teal booths, jukebox glow, milkshake glasses catching the sunlight. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger and a side of sweet potato fries. The burger was juicy and perfectly charred, the fries salty-sweet and still steaming. The root beer—made in-house—was ice cold and creamy. “This place knows exactly what it’s doing,” I thought, already eyeing the dessert menu.
Metcalf Park
I took my root beer to-go and strolled through Metcalf Park, where kids ran under towering trees and a guitarist strummed softly near the gazebo. The grass was warm underfoot, and the air smelled faintly of creosote after a recent sprinkle. It was the kind of spot you stumble upon and never want to leave.
Kingman Railroad Museum
At the Kingman Railroad Museum, I found walls lined with model trains and rooms filled with historical railroad artifacts. A volunteer—clearly a train buff—gave me a detailed tour, pointing out old switchboards and conductor caps. The museum is housed in the old train depot, and you can still hear the rattle of nearby freight cars. It felt like a living memory in motion.
Hualapai Mountain Park
Needing some elevation, I drove up to Hualapai Mountain Park. Just 20 minutes from downtown, but a world away in climate and terrain. Pines replaced cacti, and cool breezes swept through the trails. I hiked a short loop trail and paused at a lookout with views that stretched forever. “So this is Kingman’s secret,” I whispered to no one, breathing in the pine-scented air.
Bonelli House
Back in town, I visited the Bonelli House, a restored 1915 home built with local stone. The docent shared stories of the Bonelli family, who ran a successful mercantile business and helped shape early Kingman. I admired the thick stone walls, the original furnishings, and the view from the upstairs porch. It felt both frozen in time and still somehow warm with life.
Cella Winery
I closed the day with a glass of red at Cella Winery, a serene spot on the outskirts of town. The tasting room was quiet, the wine smooth and dry. I sat on the patio watching the sun dip below the hills, turning everything to gold. The air smelled of sagebrush and earth, and I let the stillness wrap around me.
Kingman At a Glance
- Drive Time from Las Vegas: ~1 hour 45 minutes southeast
- Vibe: Nostalgic, rooted, relaxed
- Highlights: Route 66 lore, mountain hikes, vintage diners, regional museums
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for cooler temps and clear skies
- Cost: Affordable; most attractions under $10 or donation-based
- Hours: Museums open mid-morning to late afternoon; parks open daily
- Base Address: Start near the Powerhouse Visitor Center and branch out
Best Time to Visit
I recommend visiting in spring or fall (March–May and September–November). That’s when I’ve found the weather to be just right—warm enough for hiking, perfect for long drives on Route 66, and ideal for outdoor festivals and classic car shows that give the town its nostalgic buzz.
How to Get There
- If you’re traveling by car: I usually drive in via I-40 or U.S. Route 93—Kingman is about 1.5 hours south of Las Vegas and 3.5 hours northwest of Phoenix. The desert drive has views that make you want to stop and take it all in.
- By Air: I’ve flown into Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), rented a car, and made a scenic road trip out of it. You can also use the small regional Kingman Airport if you’re flying local.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Southwest Chief stops in Kingman—I’ve taken it before, and it’s a laid-back way to link up with cities like Los Angeles or Chicago.
Where to Stay
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kingman Route 66 – I’ve stayed here for the modern comforts and great location. You’ll enjoy the spacious suites and being right on the historic highway.
- El Trovatore Motel – This place is full of Route 66 personality. I stayed in one of their themed rooms, and it felt like stepping back in time in the best way.
- Best Western Plus King's Inn & Suites – If you’re road-tripping with family, this is a solid option. I’ve always found it clean, convenient, and great for resting up before the next leg of the journey.
Final Thoughts
Kingman doesn’t dazzle you—it grounds you. Every stop told a story, not loudly, but with intention. It reminded me that the best kind of travel isn't always about chasing newness—sometimes it’s about rediscovering the old with fresh eyes. And in Kingman, that’s easy to do.
Fort Beale RV Park
Enjoy an amazing RV vacation in Kingman, AZ at Fort Beale RV Park. Conveniently located in a central position on Metcalfe Road, not far from Metcalfe Park, this highly rated RV park stands out for the cleanliness of its facilities and the friendliness of its staff. Right at the heart of Route 66, this RV park is just minutes away from the biggest attractions in Kingman, letting you enjoy all the city has to offer without needing to make any major efforts or drive unnecessarily long distances each day.
Easily accessed off I-40, Fort Beale RV Park puts a lot of emphasis on cleanliness and customer satisfaction. It features spacious RV sites to cater to big rigs and all kinds of motor homes, and also comes complete with a round-the-clock laundry area with reliable washers and dryers, impeccable restrooms, a large swimming pool for all the family to enjoy, propane services, 20/30/50 amp power, complimentary wireless internet access for all guests, and quick access to a convenience store and gas station. This is a pet friendly Kingman RV park too, so you can bring a dog along and let them run loose in the dog park area.
300 Metcalfe Rd, Kingman, AZ 86401, Phone: 928-753-3355
Zuni Village RV Park
If location is one of the main factors that matter the most to you when reserving a stay at an RV park or campground, you'll love Zuni Village RV Park. Situated right in the very center of the city, this RV park is literally just a short walk or drive from all of the big museums and attractions, with lots of useful stores and good quality restaurants mere minutes away as well. Another awesome aspect of Zuni Village RV Park is its low rates; you can stay here for a whole month for less than $350, with daily and weekly rate options available to short term stays as well.
You can get discounts on your stay at Zuni Village RV Park if you happen to be a KOA or Good Sam Club member too, so it really is a super option for travelers on a budget and features a long list of excellent amenities like big rig friendly sites, very clean restrooms and showers, coin operated laundry machines, shady spots beneath the trees, accessible sites, paved roads, a horseshoe pit, a pet area for all your furry friends to have some fun, vending machines offering snacks and drinks when you need them, high speed wireless internet access, a swimming pool for all guests to enjoy, picnic tables, and even RV supplies and accessories.
2840 Airway Ave, Kingman, AZ 86409, Phone: 866-887-9864
Kingman KOA Journey
If you're going off on a camping or RV journey anywhere around the United States and want to be guaranteed great service and a fun time, it's definitely a good idea to choose a Kampgrounds of America (KOA) location. KOA has its own campground and RV park in Kingman, right in the heart of the city, only a few minutes from the big Route 66 museums and attractions. Like other KOA locations all around the country, Kingman KOA Journey is very highly rated, having received a 4.5 star average rating from hundreds of past guests.
This RV park is open all year long and features spacious RV sites that can accommodate motor homes up to 70 feet long. It's the closest KOA location to the world-famous Grand Canyon West Skywalk, and is also conveniently located for Lake Havasu, Las Vegas, and local ghost towns like Oatman. The RV park itself features a mini golf course, cable TV channels for all guests, high speed wireless internet, a hot tub, a seasonal pool, train rides for the kids, pet friendly facilities like a dog park, propane sales, firewood sales, a grocery store to keep you stocked up on all the essentials, and reliable laundry machines too.
Kingman KOA Journey, 3820 N Roosevelt St, Kingman, AZ 86409, Phone: 928-757-4397
Jump to a Spot...
About VacationIdea